ADHD Treatments For Adults
Adults can benefit from the same therapies as children. These treatments include medication as well as counseling (psychotherapy) and life skills training. These treatments can include a combination.
Stimulant Medications
These drugs work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and self-regulation. These include the chemical methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class like Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).
Stimulant Medicines
Stimulants speed up the body and can lead to increased mental alertness and physical activity. They include legal substances such as caffeine (added in coffee and tea) nicotine, prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as narcolepsy and hyperactivity. In large doses of stimulants, they can cause overstimulation which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, and high blood pressure. They can also trigger aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause the dopamine system in the brain to malfunction, reducing feelings of pleasure. treating adhd in adults can be taken in pills, liquids or patches that can be applied to the skin. Methamphetamines, cocaine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can be gotten from a criminal and then used.
The medications in this class are also known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the quantity of certain chemicals in the brain which improve concentration, reduce fatigue and increase alertness. They are the initial line of treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. The medications are available in the form of a morning-only formulation or a longer-acting formulation that remains active throughout the day, such as the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
The health care provider may also recommend psychosocial interventions, such as education, psychotherapy or coaching. It is important to monitor the effectiveness of medicines over time. This can be challenging.
Non-stimulant Medicines that are not stimulants
Around 15%-30% of children don't respond to stimulant medications and it's possible that this is true for adults too. Non-stimulant medications take longer to kick in and could take as long as a few weeks for you feel any effects. But, they don't come with the same danger of having side effects as stimulants, and could be a better choice in case you aren't able to take these medications or are concerned about addiction.